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Sofiah Binti Hamzah | Scientific Committee Member, ACSTM 2026
Session I
Physical Sciences & Engineering
Moderator
Sofiah Binti Hamzah
Synergistic Performance of a Polyferric Sulphate–Bentonite Hybrid Coagulant for Landfill Leachate Treatment
Sofiah Binti Hamzah | University Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Sofiah Hamzah is an Associate Professor and Professional Engineer at the Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, specializing in environmental and separation technologies. She holds a PhD and MSc in Chemical Technology (Separation Technology) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Engineering. Her research focuses on advanced wastewater and industrial effluent treatment, with particular emphasis on coagulation–flocculation mechanisms, hybrid and polymeric iron-based coagulants (including copperas-derived polyferric sulphate), adsorption systems, electrochemical processes, and water circular economy approaches. She has led and contributed to numerous national, industry, and competitive grants, including government and industry-funded projects, and has extensive experience in consultancy and translational research. With an H-index of 19 (Scopus) and over 100 indexed publications, her work is widely cited in high-impact journals. Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Sofiah Hamzah actively supervises postgraduate students at master’s and doctoral levels and collaborates closely with industry and international partners to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions for water and wastewater management.
1
Navigating the Complexities of Bedding Dip Classification
Zohreh Movahed | Alzare-Springer Nature, Toronto, Canada
Zohreh Movahed is an independent reservoir geologist, technical consultant, editor, and peer reviewer specializing in petroleum exploration and energy resources. She holds a bachelors degree in geology, a masters degree in paleontology and stratigraphy, and a doctorate in petroleum engineering. Her professional contributions include serving as a manuscript peer reviewer and editor for international scientific journals published by Springer Nature, such as the Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, Discover Applied Sciences, Scientific Reports, and Heat and Mass Transfer. Her technical expertise encompasses geological image log interpretation, petrophysical evaluation, and advanced dip classification workflows in complex carbonate and clastic reservoirs.
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Nanoparticle-Enhanced PDLC Films for Low-Voltage Multizone Electro-Optical Displays
Mujtaba Ellahi Mahar | Balochistan University of Engineering & Management Science, Quetta, Pakistan
Dr. Mujtaba Ellahi Mahar is a prominent Pakistani scientist and academic currently serving as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at BUITEMS, Quetta. Recognized in the National Scientist Directory of Pakistan.
His research focuses on energy saving materials, nanochemistry, liquid crystal photonic devices, and smart glass thin PDLC films. Dr. Mahar specializes in multifunctional epoxy systems and advanced nanomaterials used in smart display technologies. Over the years, he has published more than 110 research papers, supervised 20 MS and 26 BS theses, and secured competitive research grants from institutions including HEC, TWAS, NRPU, and PSF.
Dr. Mahar has also established an Advanced Polymer Smart Technology Laboratory at BUITEMS, holds international patents, and authored the book “Smart Glass Technology” published in Cambridge, UK. His work continues to contribute significantly to innovation, sustainable materials research, and scientific advancement in Pakistan
His research focuses on energy saving materials, nanochemistry, liquid crystal photonic devices, and smart glass thin PDLC films. Dr. Mahar specializes in multifunctional epoxy systems and advanced nanomaterials used in smart display technologies. Over the years, he has published more than 110 research papers, supervised 20 MS and 26 BS theses, and secured competitive research grants from institutions including HEC, TWAS, NRPU, and PSF.
Dr. Mahar has also established an Advanced Polymer Smart Technology Laboratory at BUITEMS, holds international patents, and authored the book “Smart Glass Technology” published in Cambridge, UK. His work continues to contribute significantly to innovation, sustainable materials research, and scientific advancement in Pakistan
3
Development and Heat-Treatment Response of Multi-Component Al–Mg Aluminium Alloys
Sonam Mukeshkumar Patel | Dr. S. & S. S. Ghandhy College of Engineering & Technology, Surat, India
Dr. Sonam M. Patel is a Lecturer in the Department of Metallurgy at Dr. S. & S. S. Ghandhy College of Engineering and Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India. She received her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Her research interests include lightweight metallic materials, aluminium and magnesium alloys, high-entropy alloys, heat treatment, surface engineering, corrosion, alloy development, and materials characterization. She has published research articles in reputed peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in national and international conferences. She also serves as a reviewer for Scopus-indexed journals and is actively involved in research, academic mentoring, and curriculum development. Her current research focuses on the design and development of advanced lightweight alloys and sustainable surface engineering solutions for engineering applications.
4
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial, In-Silico assessment of Bipyrimidine Derivatives Bearing Indole Nucleus
Mohammad Arshad | Al-Fayha Private College Al-Jubail, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Mohammad Arshad is an accomplished academician, researcher, and educator currently serving as the Director of Academic Research and Associate Professor of Chemistry at Al-Fayha Private College, Jubail, Saudi Arabia. With over 15 years of distinguished experience in research, teaching, and academic administration, he has established himself as a dedicated professional committed to excellence in higher education and scientific innovation. He earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia. He has successfully supervised and contributed to numerous research projects, producing high-impact scientific publications. He has published 85 research articles, including books, book chapters, and patents in reputed national and international journals and publications. He has outstanding research achievements like listed five times as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists (2021-2025), Senior Researcher Award, Best Researcher Award, etc. He is associated with scientific organizations like the Indian Science Congress Association, American Chemical Society, and Royal Society of Chemistry.
5
Manufacturing Silicon by Environmentally Friendly Process
Shashi Paul | De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
Shashi Paul (SP), Professor of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, is working for the Emerging Technologies Research Centre (EMTERC) at the University of Montfort, Leicester, UK. He received his degree from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore (India) and previously worked at the University of Cambridge, Durham University and Rutgers University. His particular focus is on emerging electronic memory devices, batteries & solar cells and, the development of materials manufacturing processes to reduce the carbon footprint and next generation electronic devices. Since his teenage years, he has taken research and teaching as a passion rather than a profession. He believes that teaching and research are like binary stars; they either exist or they dont. And, an invisible force that cannot be seen, but can be felt, is the foundation of their existence. Playing and watching cricket is also something he thoroughly enjoys.
6
PILoN-DT: A Drift-Aware Physics-Informed Digital Twin for Photovoltaic Health Monitoring
Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso | University of Douala, Montreal, Canada
Here is a polished biography suitable for the ACSTM 2026 submission website:
**Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso** is an electrical and renewable energy engineer, researcher, project management professional, and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt based in Montréal, Canada. His research focuses on photovoltaic systems, renewable energy integration, intelligent optimization, physics-informed artificial intelligence, digital twins, power-system reliability, and sustainable engineering solutions for data-scarce environments.
He holds advanced training in electrical power systems and has contributed to several peer-reviewed research studies involving photovoltaic modelling, maximum power point tracking, energy management, artificial intelligence, and engineering optimization. In parallel with his academic activities, he works on industrial automation, operational excellence, process improvement, and reliability projects within the manufacturing and agri-food sectors.
As an ACSE Ambassador, he promotes research excellence, scholarly collaboration, responsible scientific communication, and greater participation of researchers from emerging regions in international academic platforms. His professional interests lie at the intersection of engineering research, industrial innovation, sustainability, and practical technology deployment.
**Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso** is an electrical and renewable energy engineer, researcher, project management professional, and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt based in Montréal, Canada. His research focuses on photovoltaic systems, renewable energy integration, intelligent optimization, physics-informed artificial intelligence, digital twins, power-system reliability, and sustainable engineering solutions for data-scarce environments.
He holds advanced training in electrical power systems and has contributed to several peer-reviewed research studies involving photovoltaic modelling, maximum power point tracking, energy management, artificial intelligence, and engineering optimization. In parallel with his academic activities, he works on industrial automation, operational excellence, process improvement, and reliability projects within the manufacturing and agri-food sectors.
As an ACSE Ambassador, he promotes research excellence, scholarly collaboration, responsible scientific communication, and greater participation of researchers from emerging regions in international academic platforms. His professional interests lie at the intersection of engineering research, industrial innovation, sustainability, and practical technology deployment.
7
A Vertical StartUp Framework for Manufacturing Agility
Bhairavi (Meera) Modak | Lego Group, Marietta, United State
Bhairavi (Meera) Modak is a R&D and manufacturing operations leader with nearly two decades of experience across consumer goods, food and beverage, and healthcare industries. Her expertise spans manufacturing technology, process engineering, operational readiness, technology commercialization, qualification and validation, and large-scale manufacturing programs. Throughout her career, she has led cross-functional initiatives involving new technologies, production systems, workforce capability, and manufacturing readiness. She holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ, USA and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India. Her professional interests include Vertical Startup of digitized manufacturing factory, following Industry 5.0 execution strategies and the integration of people, processes, equipment, and technology to enable resilient and responsive operations.
8
CO2 Separation from Flue Gas Using Piperazine-Promoted AMP-Impregnated PVA Gel Membranes
Asit Kumar Saha | Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia, India
Professor Asit K Saha did his graduation in Chemical Engineering from Jadavpur University in the year 1986. He then obtained M.Tech and Ph.D (Eng.) degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. During his doctoral programme he contributed immensely in carbon capture research. He started his teaching career at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal in 1994. After about three and half years of service there, he joined Haldia Institute of Technology, the first grass route level private engineering college in the state of West Bengal, and played a very important role in shaping the Institute and its departments, particularly the Chemical Engineering Department. He served the institute as a professor and the Head of Chemical Engineering Department, then Dean of School of Chemical, Food and Biotechnology, then the Principal of the Institute, and then as the Dean (Research). After superannuation, presently he is serving a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.
9
Artificial Intelligence of Things -Driven Remote Patient Monitoring for Early detection in Smart Healthcare
Tahniyat Aslam | Institute Of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
Tahniyat Aslam holds a PhD in Electronic Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology. She also holds an M.E. degree in Telecommunication Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology and a B.S. in Telecommunication Engineering from Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology. She has served as a Visiting Teacher at NED University of Engineering and Technology. Currently, she is working as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Business Management.
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Artificial Intelligence of Things -Driven Remote Patient Monitoring for Early detection in Smart Healthcare
Seema Ansari | Institute Of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Seema Ansari is a seasoned academic and research leader with a diverse experience in higher education and institutional management. She earned her Ph.D. in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Malaga, Spain (2018), fully funded by the university. She also holds an MS in CS-Telecommunication from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA, and a B.E. in Electronics from NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET), Karachi. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), she has also served as Advisor to the Rector and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering & Sciences. Dr. Ansari’s extensive career spans prestigious academic institutions such as Staffordshire University (UK), APIIT-Malaysia, DUET, and NEDUET. Her Ph.D. research in underwater communication has yielded several high-impact, JCR-indexed publications and scholarly contributions to books and international conferences through Springer. She was also a member of the Oceanic Engineering Research Institute at UMA, Spain. Her current research interests include Underwater Acoustic Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs), the Internet of Things (IoT), Using IoT in Predictive Maintenance in industries, and emerging 5G and 6G technologies.
11
Advances in Biochemical Engineering Thermodynamics Using Equations of State
Arash Pakravesh | Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
Dr. Arash Pakravesh is a senior researcher at Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, Iran, where he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. His research focuses on thermodynamics, particularly the development and parameterization of equations of state, including the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT). Dr. Pakravesh has authored several peer-reviewed articles, and his work contributes significantly to the thermodynamic modeling of fuels and industrial solvents.
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Session II
Agricultural & Biological Sciences
Moderator
Shashibhusan Nayak
Sustainable Protection and Production of Legumes through Intercropping with Forage Crops
Bita Naseri | Areeo, Kermanshah, Iran
Dr. Bita Naseri, Fellow of Iranian Phytopathological Society, is currently serving as
academic staff, Plant Protection Department, AREEO, Kermanshah. She obtained her
Ph.D. from University of Adelaide, Australia. She has been associated with the development
of two sainfoin varieties tolerant to powdery mildew, high forage yielding due to late
flowering, with higher protein content and digestive quality. She has successfully integrated
late-spring and shallow planting, using 0-50 kg/ha urea, weekly irrigations, rotation with
wheat or barley, improving soil organic matter & rhizobial nodulation to manage bean root
rots. She has developed predicting models for wheat yellow rust and chickpea Ascochyta
blight epidemics. She is well recognized for her 30 years contributions to epidemiology and
sustainable management of over 50 pathogens infecting legumes, cereals, canola, olive,
sugar beet, and sunflower. She has over 150 research publications as well as 350 peer
reviews and editorial records, with being honored by Khwarizmi International Award, Top
2% highly cited scientist at Elsevier in 2022, and Best Researcher of Iranian Research
Institute of Plant Protection in 2023.
academic staff, Plant Protection Department, AREEO, Kermanshah. She obtained her
Ph.D. from University of Adelaide, Australia. She has been associated with the development
of two sainfoin varieties tolerant to powdery mildew, high forage yielding due to late
flowering, with higher protein content and digestive quality. She has successfully integrated
late-spring and shallow planting, using 0-50 kg/ha urea, weekly irrigations, rotation with
wheat or barley, improving soil organic matter & rhizobial nodulation to manage bean root
rots. She has developed predicting models for wheat yellow rust and chickpea Ascochyta
blight epidemics. She is well recognized for her 30 years contributions to epidemiology and
sustainable management of over 50 pathogens infecting legumes, cereals, canola, olive,
sugar beet, and sunflower. She has over 150 research publications as well as 350 peer
reviews and editorial records, with being honored by Khwarizmi International Award, Top
2% highly cited scientist at Elsevier in 2022, and Best Researcher of Iranian Research
Institute of Plant Protection in 2023.
13
Antibacterial Potential of Phenolics and Flavonoids in Tecomella undulata Extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Sharad Vats | Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, India
Dr. Vats is currently working as an Associate Professor in the department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India. He obtained his PhD degree from the University of Rajasthan, India. He has published more than 50 research articles in national/international journals and delivered several invited lectures at conferences. He has published three books and is also an editorial board member and reviewer of international journals of repute. He is recognized nationally and internationally for his scientific research in the areas of plant secondary metabolites, antioxidants, nutraceuticals, plant tissue culture and in vitro regulation of bioactive compounds.
14
Next-Generation Aeroponic and ARC Technologies for Sustainable Production of Disease-Free Potato Seed in India
Shashank Shekhar Solankey | Nalanda College of Horticulture, Nalanda, India
Dr. Shashank Shekhar Solankey is an Associate Professor–cum–Senior Scientist & Chairman, Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science) at Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai (Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour). He earned his M.Sc. from Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Ayodhya (2006), and Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (2010). With over a decade of experience in teaching, research, extension, and training, Dr. Solankey has contributed significantly to vegetable science, particularly in stress management and quality improvement of solanaceous vegetables, okra and leguminous vegetables. He is associated breeder in development of two eggplant varieties (Sabour Sadabahar and Sabour Krishnakali), a pest management technology in okra, and co-invented a patent on Smart Horticultural Spreader Machine (2024). He has handled several research projects, supervised five M.Sc. students and served as a member of advisory committee for eight M.Sc. and three Ph.D. students., authored/ edited 11 books, and published extensively with over 150 publications, including research papers, reviews and book chapters. A life member of multiple professional societies and reviewer for reputed journals, he has received more than 20 awards/ recognitions, notably the Best Teacher Award (BAU, 2016); Best Researcher Award (BAU, 2016) and Fellowship of the International Society for Noni Science (2022).
15
A Promising Solution For Increasing Sustainable Biotechnological Product Yield: Porphyrium Cruentum (Rhodophyta)
Seher Dirican | Faculty of Science, Sivas, Turkey
Seher Dirican was born in Muğla Province of Turkey. Seher Dirican is currently working as Associate Professor at Sivas Cumhuriyet University in Turkey. Dr Scientist received his Doctoral degree or PhD on Marine-Inland Water Sciences and Technology from the University of Ege in Turkey. He completed his Masters Biology from the University of Muğla in Turkey. His research interests are Ecology, Aquaculture, Environment, Fisheries, Algae, Hydrobiology, Limnology, Water Quality and Pollution. Seher Dirican has numerous articles published in international and national journals, and papers presented at congresses and symposiums. Seher Dirican is married and has one child.
16
Efficacy of Gluconate-Capped Silver Nanoparticles Against Post-Harvest Pathogens
Devanushi Dutta | Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India
Assistant Professor (Plant Pathology), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat having 11 years’ experience of research, extension and teaching. Involved in AICRP Sugarcane and AICRP seed (Crops). National recognition as Technology developer under AICRP seed (Crops), Recipient of Smt Guman Devi Verma memorial best woman scientist commendation award, Best oral presenter in different national and international conference, member of five reputed and prestigious society like Asian Science Writers Association, Asian PGPR Society etc.
17
Data-Limited Stock Assessment of Benthic Fish in the Central Mediterranean
Sami Mili | University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia
Prof. Sami Mili is a Professor at the Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunisia. He holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT) and received his university accreditation for research in 2017. From 2019 to 2024, he served as General Director of the Higher Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Bizerte (ISPAB), now the Higher Institute of Marine Sciences of Bizerte. His teaching and research focus on fishery management, population dynamics, stock assessment, marine biology, and fishing technology. Prof. Mili has supervised numerous Ph.D., Master’s, and Engineering students and has coordinated several national and international research projects, including the FAO TCP project on the Bizerte Lagoon and the BLEU-ADAPT project on marine biological invasions. He is the author or co-author of more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and several book chapters. His recent publications include applications of data-limited stock assessment models (CMSY++ and LBB) for benthic species in the central Mediterranean. He serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals and is a peer reviewer for leading journals in marine and environmental sciences.
18
Enhancing Climate Resilience and Food Security Through Spate Irrigation in Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Iqtidar Hussain | Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
Dr. Iqtidar Hussain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Gomal University since 2014, earned his PhD in Agronomy (plant sciences) from the same institution. He has enhanced his skills as a keynote speaker, resource person, and organizer at national and international events. A member of the Soil Science Society of Pakistan, Weed Science Society of Pakistan, Pakistan Botany Society, and Pakistan Allelopathy Society, he has published 140 research articles globally with impact factor about 90. Previously, he served 17 years as a Teacher and Subject Specialist and 12 years as an Assistant Professor at Gomal University. Dr hussain edited 3 books & also wrote 2 books chapter. He supervised 2 PhD scholars and 10 M.Phil scholars.
19
Removal of Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, and Chromium from Wastewater Using a Walnut and Almond Shell-Based Adsorbent
Fatemehsadat Mirmohammadmakki | Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Dr. Fatemehsadat Mirmohammadmakki received her Ph.D. in Food Industrial Engineering and Science (Food Chemistry) from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, in 2021. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher and an International Advisor at the Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on food safety, food security ethics, agricultural products, edible oils, natural extracts, and the development of sustainable biosorbents for the removal of heavy metals from food, soil, and wastewater. Her work integrates food chemistry, environmental sustainability, and bioethics to promote safer, healthier, and more sustainable food systems. Dr. Mirmohammadmakki has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles, books, and book chapters and has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences. She actively contributes to international scientific collaborations and serves as a Session Chair, Scientific Committee Member, Reviewer, and Scientific Ambassador at international conferences, promoting interdisciplinary research and global scientific collaboration.
20
AI-Powered Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion for Predictive Poultry Health Management in Smart Farms
Asif Iqbal Hajamydeen | Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Asif Iqbal Hajamydeen is a seasoned cybersecurity expert specialising in anomaly-based intrusion detection systems, computer security, and data mining within the expansive domains of cybersecurity and computer networks. With over 18 years of dedicated service at Management & Science University (MSU), Dr. Asif Iqbal has become a cornerstone of the Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor. Throughout his career, Dr. Asif Iqbal has made significant strides in both academic and applied cybersecurity, producing impactful research that addresses today’s most pressing digital security challenges. His scholarly output includes numerous publications, book chapters, and collaborative research on advanced security frameworks, machine learning innovations, and IoT applications. His work is widely recognized, with more than 600 Google Scholar citations and an h-index of 15, underscoring his influence in the field. As a committed mentor and educator, Dr. Asif Iqbal supervises postgraduate students at the Masters and PhD levels, guiding them in pioneering research across various subfields of computer security and network safety. Dr. Asif Iqbal’s dual commitment to research excellence and educational mentorship makes him a sought-after leader in the academic and professional cybersecurity communities.
21
PCR-Based cry Gene Profiling and Insecticidal Activity of Native Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates Against Spodoptera frugiperda
Devendra Jain | Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, India
Dr. Devendra Jain obtained his PhD (obtained in 2010) degree at the University of Rajasthan and have worked on multidisciplinary projects, specifically on the impact of Biotechnology, Microbial Biotechnology and Nanomaterials within Agriculture. With this versatility, in 2013, he was recruited as Assistant Professor at the Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, and since then, his research has focused on Biotechnology including microbial biotechnology, nanoparticulate systems and their importance in plants. He is the author of more than 125 research articles (SCOPUS) in peer-reviewed journals with a H Index of 27 and frequently publishes high-quality work.
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Phytotherapeutic Effects of Syzygium aromaticum Essential Oil on Testosterone-Induced BPH in Rats
Dina Mostafa Mohammed | National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
Assoc. Prof. Dina Mostafa Mohammed holds a B.Sc. in microbiology and biochemistry from Helwan University, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry from Cairo University. Dr. Dina Mostafa Mohammed specializes in evaluating biochemical parameters and producing therapeutic, functional, and bioactive compounds to treat major human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and liver disease. My advanced research integrates biochemistry, nutrition, biotechnology, biostimulation and nanotechnology, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, the biostimulation of novel compounds, and the use of biotechnological techniques to obtain secondary metabolites from four sources. With comprehensive experience in experimental animal design, research and development, and plant field trials, my current strategic focus centers on maximizing resource efficiency and advancing the circular economy by sustainably addressing food waste through management practices and upcycling food byproducts.
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Metagenomic Profiling Reveals Diverse Microbial Communities and Potential Public Health Risks Associated with Retail Chicken Meat Sold in Indian Markets
Pranav Anjaria | Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, India
Dr. Pranav Anjaria is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh, India. He obtained his postgraduate degree in Veterinary Public Health from Kamdhenu University, with research focusing on next-generation sequencing of the surface microbiota of retail chicken meat. His research interests include food safety, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology, metagenomics and One Health. A recipient of two university gold medals and the Young Scientist Award, Dr. Anjaria has published research articles, reviews and book chapters in national and international journals. Before joining academia, he worked with the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, widely known as AMUL. He is also actively involved in teaching, scientific outreach and peer review for several international journals.
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Alleviation of Lead Acetate-Induced Toxicity in Mungbean through Magnesium Sulphate Seed Priming
Sananda Mondal | Visva-Bharati University, Birbhum, India
1. Name: Dr. Sananda Mondal
2. Designation: Associate Professor of Crop Physiology
3. Date of Birth: 24th Nov, 1985
4. Date of Joining: 26th Nov, 2012
5. Communication Address: Department of Crop Physiology,
Institute of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati,
Sriniketan-731237, West Bengal
E-mail : mondalsananda@gmail.com
7. Teaching/ Research Experience:
(i) Duration/ Period: 9 years approximately as Assistant Professor
(ii) Title of the thesis: (a) M.Sc. (Ag): Seed hardening vis-à-vis seedling growth of rice and plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis.
(b) Ph.D.: Use of primed seeds for screening salinity stress tolerance through tissue culture technique in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
(iii) Area of Research: (a) Tissue Culture (Somatic embryogenesis in rice)
(b) Seed Priming
(c) Stress Metabolism
(d) Plant Growth Regulation
2. Designation: Associate Professor of Crop Physiology
3. Date of Birth: 24th Nov, 1985
4. Date of Joining: 26th Nov, 2012
5. Communication Address: Department of Crop Physiology,
Institute of Agriculture (Palli Siksha Bhavana), Visva-Bharati,
Sriniketan-731237, West Bengal
E-mail : mondalsananda@gmail.com
7. Teaching/ Research Experience:
(i) Duration/ Period: 9 years approximately as Assistant Professor
(ii) Title of the thesis: (a) M.Sc. (Ag): Seed hardening vis-à-vis seedling growth of rice and plantlet regeneration through somatic embryogenesis.
(b) Ph.D.: Use of primed seeds for screening salinity stress tolerance through tissue culture technique in rice (Oryza sativa L.).
(iii) Area of Research: (a) Tissue Culture (Somatic embryogenesis in rice)
(b) Seed Priming
(c) Stress Metabolism
(d) Plant Growth Regulation
25
Transforming Dryland Food Systems Through Conservation Agriculture
Rachid Mrabet | National Institute of Agricultural Research (Inra), Rabat, Morocco
Dr. Rachid Mrabet is Research Director at Morocco’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) and a leading authority on climate resilience, sustainable development and systems thinking. He earned his PhD from Colorado State University, USA, in 1997 and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals. He has served as a Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC, MedECC and UNEP GEO-7 and contributes to international scientific governance, serving on expert panels and editorial boards. His work bridges science, policy, and innovation to support resilience and environmental systems across drylands.
26
Isolation, Screening, and Optimization of Bacterial Strains for Protease Production
Sana Zahoor | Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Sana Zahoor, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences at the Virtual University of Pakistan has over 14 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Government College University, Lahore, where her research focused on the isolation and characterization of thermoduric microorganisms from the hot springs of Azad Kashmir for their biotechnological potential. Her research interests include microbial biotechnology, industrial microbiology, enzyme technology, fermentation, molecular biology, phytochemical analysis, and environmental microbiology. Dr. Zahoor has authored more than 25 research articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals, supervised numerous BS, MS, and M.Phil. research projects, and actively contributed to curriculum development, laboratory management, quality assurance, and academic leadership. She has presented her work at national and international conferences.
27
Copper–Chitosan Nanoparticle Seed Priming Enhances Foxtail Millet Growth under Drought Stress
Ram Baran Singh | Reva University, Bengaluru, India
Ram Baran Singh completed his Ph.D. from IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKG-PTU), and postdoctoral research at the ICRISAT, Patancheru, India. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, India. With over 13 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Singh has published >30 research papers in reputed journals, authored books, contributed book chapters, and serves on the editorial boards for esteemed journals. His research primarily focuses on genetic diversity, genomics-assisted breeding, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture aimed at improving stress tolerance and yield-related traits in crops.
28
Optimization of an Eco-Friendly Approach for the Green Synthesis of CuAg–TiO₂ Nanocomposites Using Endophytic Fungal Filtrates
Hafiza Farhat | Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
I am Dr Hafiza Farhat as an Assistant Professor at Gomal University and I have 5 years teaching experience at University level. I did Ph.D in Botany, currently 20 M.Phil. and 3 Ph.D. students are enrolled with me and I have national and International publications and am also double Gold medalist from University of Karachi. I presented a lecture in more than 8 International conferences. My research work is on mostly plant pathology that includes drug resistant microbes, disease managements in plants, abiotic stress and biotic stress and application of microbial metabolites on the agriculture side as well on the medical side. I started work on cancer by using the microbe based drug. My students are working on nanoparticles synthesized from fungal metabolites under my supervision.
29
Microbial Based Restoration of Coal Mine-Degraded Lands Using Native Microbial Strains
Darshan K | Tropical Forest Research Institute (Tfri), Jabalpur, India
Dr. Darshan K. is a Scientist-C in Forest Pathology at the ICFRE–Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, where he received the IARI Merit (Gold) Medal for outstanding academic performance. He completed his M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University with a high academic standing.
His research interests focus on forest pathology, plant–microbe interactions, microbial biocontrol, molecular plant pathology, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), endophytic microbes, biofertilizers and sustainable disease management. He has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator in several research projects, including projects on biotization of bamboo and teak, eco-rehabilitation of degraded coal mines using PGPR, forest nursery disease management and sustainable forest ecosystems.
Dr. Darshan has contributed extensively to scientific research through 45 publications, 4 books, 37 research papers/reports and 25 general/popular articles, along with several book chapters. He has received 13+ awards and recognitions, including 5 Best Poster Awards, 5 Best Oral Presentation Awards and 3 National/other awards, along with the IARI Merit (Gold) Medal, Young Scientist Award, Best M.Sc. Thesis Award, IPS Student Travel Award and Commendation Prize.
His research interests focus on forest pathology, plant–microbe interactions, microbial biocontrol, molecular plant pathology, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), endophytic microbes, biofertilizers and sustainable disease management. He has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator in several research projects, including projects on biotization of bamboo and teak, eco-rehabilitation of degraded coal mines using PGPR, forest nursery disease management and sustainable forest ecosystems.
Dr. Darshan has contributed extensively to scientific research through 45 publications, 4 books, 37 research papers/reports and 25 general/popular articles, along with several book chapters. He has received 13+ awards and recognitions, including 5 Best Poster Awards, 5 Best Oral Presentation Awards and 3 National/other awards, along with the IARI Merit (Gold) Medal, Young Scientist Award, Best M.Sc. Thesis Award, IPS Student Travel Award and Commendation Prize.
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Grains of Identity: The Role of Couscous in North African Heritage and Cuisine
Noureddine Chaachouay | Hassan First University, Settat, Morocco
oureddine Chaachouay is a professor at the Ecole Normale Supérieure of Berrechid, Hassan First University in Settat, Morocco, has had a distinguished academic and professional journey. His educational background is deeply rooted in the sciences, particularly botany. He achieved his Doctorate Degree in Sciences in 2020 from the Faculty of Sciences at Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, with his thesis focusing on the Floristic and Ethnomedicinal Study of Medicinal Plants in the Rif region. As a researcher, he is keenly interested in studying the use of plants in various areas, such as alternative medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, rituals, fragrances, and dyes.
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Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Clove Extract and Their Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activity
Nitika Anand | Its Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre, Greater Noida, India
Dr. Nitika Anand is a Professor of Microbiology at the College of Dentistry with a strong academic and research background in medical microbiology. She holds a doctorate in Microbiology and has extensive experience in teaching and research. Her major research interests encompass antimicrobial resistance, infection control, infectious diseases, and the role of nanoparticles as novel antimicrobial agents. Her research is particularly focused on exploring biogenic nanoparticles as alternative therapeutic strategies against microbial pathogens.
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Assessing Sustainable Intensification Through Productivity Metrics
Eman Ibrahim Abdel-Wahab | Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
Prof. Dr. Eman Ibrahim Abdel-Wahab is a distinguished Professor Researcher in Genetics at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt, recognized for her expertise in plant genetics, crop improvement, and sustainable agricultural systems. Since joining ARC in 2012, she has conducted extensive research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying soybean resistance to pests such as the cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis) and lima bean pod borer (Etiella zinckenella), while also advancing knowledge in intercropping systems, legume productivity, water use efficiency, and biotic stress tolerance. She has authored or co-authored over 50 scientific publications, including journal papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings published by Springer, IGI Global, and Lambert Academic Publishing, with her research achieving 39 citations across 10 Scopus-indexed documents and an h-index of 5. Actively contributing to national research programs focused on enhancing food legume production, Prof. Dr. Eman Ibrahim Abdel-Wahab has played a vital role in strengthening Egypt’s agricultural resilience and sustainability. In addition to her research, she has served as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals, earning more than 30 certificates of excellence in reviewing from reputed publishers. Through her pioneering work on genetic resistance mechanisms and crop development.
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Integrated Digestate Valorization and Biogas Production Using Microalgal–Bacterial Granular Sludge
Marcin Debowski | University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
Marcin Dębowski is a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, and Director of the Institute of Engineering and Environmental Protection. He serves as Chair of the Scientific Council for the Discipline of Environmental Engineering, Mining and Energy and is a member of the Committee on Environmental Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on environmental biotechnology, anaerobic digestion, biogas and biomethane production, wastewater and sewage sludge treatment, microalgal biotechnology, biomass pretreatment, nutrient recovery, circular bioeconomy, and waste-to-energy systems.
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